Hi, I'm having alternator problems, but the main hope of this post is to confirm/correct my understanding of the 1990 240's alternator circuit- (BTW I'm sure there's more intelligent/technical ways to describe a circuit but I still think in terms of following the electrons); thanks to anyone who can help.

1) with the key in the ON position a circuit is closed sending a flow of electrons from the positive battery terminal
2) through the battery light in the dash
3) to the D+ terminal at the back of the alternator
4) through the voltage regulator
5) into the 'exciter'/'armature'(?)...(ie, the thing that spins in the alternator), creating an electro-magnetic field
6) into the ground of the alternator


When the car is running (and the alternator therefore spinning), electrons flow:
1) from the large B+ terminal in the back of the alternator
2) to (but not through) the starter
3) arriving at the positive terminal in the battery, recharging the battery

Does that sound right?

So if I have full voltage at D+ when the key is turned on (tested against the ground of the alternator) but the battery light in the dash is not turning on, then it could be the voltage regulator? or something in the alternator between the D+ terminal and the alternator ground? (i checkked that the battery dash bulb was good, and besides if it wasnt i wouldn't have voltage at D+ anyways right?)


Thanks for the help,
Joshua